High Times in the High Desert
WHEN WE FIRST moved to Taos in 2006, we were drawn here for the gorgeous and vast landscapes, clean air and water, the river and hot springs, the mountains and quirky, artistic people. We quickly learned about the tensions that were also present; clash of cultures and radical disparity between the haves and have-nots, the immense heroine and opioid drug problem, the locals who had to work two to three jobs to make ends meet juxtaposed with the second-home owners.
Jumping to 2014, adult use cannabis car in front of Southwest Cannabis, became legal in Colorado, and we created, about to make a purchase. hosted and produced “The Marijuana And Jeffrey isn’t alone. New Mexico Show” in Denver, Colo. Banks has one of the worst drug and alcohol didn’t, and still don’t, offer financing problem in the United States. In New or bank accounts, so we met with Mexico, 63 percent of drug overdose investors and entrepreneurs to create deaths involved opioids in 2018. Also, a “Shark Tank for Pot” show. What’s our state — since 1997 — has had the amazing is — 200 people showed up, highest death rate due to alcoholism and the press was overwhelming. than any other state in the U.S. Clearly, there was tremendous support It’s scary that drugs and alcohol for our show, which has been on Amazon may be to blame for so many deaths in Prime and seen by millions since New Mexico. When we think of deaths 2016. caused by drugs, overdose comes to
Over time, what impressed us was mind, but we may not even realize how much the sales of cannabis helped the impact drugs and alcohol have on the economy in Denver, from improving other serious health conditions that the roads to schools and infrastructure. can lead to death. As of 2015, all of the Notably, in their first day of sales, top 10 causes of death in New Mexico they did $1 million in sales for adult use can be partially attributed to drug and cannabis. alcohol use.
At the launch of New Mexico adult Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, use sales, we more than doubled that unintentional injuries and suicide can number, with $1.9 million the first day, all be related to alcohol use. Deaths which is an indication of how many from influenza, pneumonia and people need cannabis (our core belief chronic lower respiratory diseases may is that cannabis is medicine). be related to or caused by tobacco use.
We talked with a local Taoseño, Both alcohol and tobacco can lead to Jeffrey Vasquez, who is the general heart disease, malignant neoplasms manager at Taos honey company. He and cerebrovascular diseases, which shared by phone interview that cannabis are all top causes of death in New helped him get off heavy drugs, like Mexico. And unintentional injuries and opioids and alcohol, and he’s nine years suicides are also related to other drug sober thanks to marijuana. He shared uses, according to the Sage Clinic. that, without cannabis, he might not Notably, not one person has died be here today, and he’s thrilled to have from a cannabis overdose. Let that sink access in town for his medicine. As we in; instead, cannabis can help (with talked, he shared he was sitting in his therapy and guidance) treat opioid and
alcohol abuse. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the compelling nature of these data, and the relative safety profile of cannabis, warrant further exploration of cannabis as an adjunct or alternative treatment for Opioid Use Disorder.
When Michelle Lujan Grisham was running for governor, we met with her at Taos Mesa Brewery and she stated at that time she was open to legalizing cannabis, provided it was kept safe away from children. She echoed our sentiment that it would boost the economy and help with heavy drug addiction to opioids that we face in our state.
We joked with her that taxes for pot could fix potholes, and provided her with some good contacts in Denver to discuss the issues. The governor fought an uphill battle and finally succeeded. New Mexico cannabis sales totaled over $5.2 million over the first weekend of adult use sales.
This new thriving industry is exactly what Taos and New Mexico need, as the new industry is projected to generate over $300 million annually, create more than 1,000 jobs and bring in $50 million in state revenue in the first year. Anyone age 21 or older can purchase up to two ounces, and individual New
Mexicans can grow up to six plants (couples or families can grow up to 12 total plants).
Here are some causes we would like to see paid for with the cannabis tax money:
• Cannabis education and business classes at UNM
• Opioid, alcohol and heavy drug treatment cannabis facility
• Improved roads and buildings
• Mental health facilities
• Affordable sustainable housing
• A recycling center
• Community gardens
• Dog park
• Clean water protection
• Resources for artists
• Better pay for teachers
• Artists paid for murals
• A safe place for elders to meet up
This new thriving industry is exactly what Taos and New Mexico need, as the new industry is projected to generate over $300 million annually, create more than 1,000 jobs and bring in $50 million in state revenue in the first year.
Watch “The Marijuana Show” on Amazon Prime: amazon.com/TheMarijuana-Show/dp/B01MT7E69A
Thursday, April 14
5-7 p.m. | Taos Inn Live - Brent Berry. Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn, 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. Free. 575758-2233.
6-8 p.m. | The Arcane Ramblers: Live. Old-time, Americana and other musical arcana. Rolling Still Distillery, 110 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte Suite D, Taos. Free. 434-8259246.
6-8 p.m. | Flight of the Blue Dog. Rolling Still Lounge, 110 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Suite D, Taos. Free. 575-613-0326.
Friday, April 15
5:30-8:30 p.m. | Taos Inn Live - Michael Henry Collins. Historic Taos Inn, 125 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos. Free. 855963-2180.
6:30-9:30 p.m. | Shannon and Southern Soul play music live at the Sagebrush Inn & Suites, 1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos. Free. Call 575-425-7006.
Saturday, April 16
12-3 p.m. | The Arcane Ramblers: Patio Music. Old-time, Americana, and other musical arcana. Sol Food Market & Cafe, 591 Arroyo Hondo Arroyo Seco Rd, Taos. Free. 434-825-9246.
5-8 p.m. | Lucky Overton Live at the Chili Line Depot. Good ol’ soulful Americana music. Chili Line Depot, 38429 Hwy 285, Tres Piedras. Free. 575-758-1701.
6:30 p.m. | Four Letter Word performing everything from soul to metal, funk to fusion at the Sagebrush Inn & Suites, 1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos. Free. 8-10:05 p.m. | TCA Drive-In Movie: “Vertigo.” Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, 1958. Rated PG. 2h 8m. Two or more people in your vehicle? Buy 1 ticket for your vehicle. Taos Center for the Arts, 133 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. $10-50. 575758-2052.
Sunday, April 17
7-8 a.m. | Easter Sunrise Service at Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Everyone Welcome. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge parking lot, Taos. Free. 505-440-6849. 5-7 p.m. | Taos Inn Live - Brent Berry. Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn, 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. Free. 575758-2233.
6:30-9 p.m. | Sunday Songs at Sabroso with Michael Henry Collins. Sabroso Restaurant & Bar, 470 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco. Free. 575-776-3333.
Monday, April 18
6-7 p.m. | TCA Movies on the Big Screen: “Spirit of the Peaks.” Taos Center for the Arts, 133 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos.
Free. 575-758-2052.
9-12 p.m. | Taos has Talent Open Mic Night at the Alley Cantina, hosted by Cullen Winter. Showcase your talent. Bring your instrument, band or just your voice and take a turn wowing the crowd. Every Monday night at the Alley Cantina, 121 Teresina Lane, Taos.
Tuesday, April 19
5:30-8:30 p.m. | Michael Henry Collins every Tuesday at Sagebrush Inn. Sagebrush Inn & Suites, 1508 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos. Free. 575-758-2254.
Wednesday, April 20
5:30-8:30 p.m. | Wednesdays with Jess @ Sagebrush Inn. Original music by Jess Wayne. Sagebrush Inn & Suites, 1508 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos. Free. 575-9995406.
8-10 p.m. | TCA Drive-In Movie: “The Big Lebowski.” Ultimate L.A. slacker Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, seeks restitution for a rug ruined by debt collectors. Taos Center for the Arts, 133 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. $10-50. 575-758-2052.